Cox Looks to Lead Columbia in the Outfield in 2009

With the golden locks and casual demeanor to match, Floridian Nick Cox has made his return to the Tri-State area anything but modest. A sophomore dabbling in a pre-med concentration and political science minor, Cox’s recent contributions to the baseball team have made for a healthy turn of events.

Ivy League Champions of the 2008 season, the Lions are coming off a spectacular winning streak and looking to change close to nothing in regards to the preparation it took them to get there. In fact, the overall game plan seems to be just that. “Same thing as last year,” said Cox when probed for the secret plan for the upcoming season. A strategic move for the mere observer, but easier said than done from the bona-fide player.

With both the secret plan exposed as well as the departure of seven integral seniors from the roster, Cox’s plan seems all but impossible. Almost. Cox ranked first in hits, fifth in runs, eighth in total bases, and second in stolen bases last season, making him an all around offensive threat. He also has a Ivy League Rookie of the Year award to keep on his trophy shelf.

The road to success this season wont be an easy one as threats such as Cornell’s Head Coach Bill Walkenbach and Princeton’s veteran team look to be worthy challengers for the defending Ivy Champions. Nick’s “Yes We Can” attitude, however, seems to propel the squad forward once more into the breech.
When Cox first arrived at Columbia, he wasn’t fully decided on what sport he would pursue. Having earned four varsity letters in both baseball and football in high school, the choice was not an easy one.

“Football was more dominant when I was in high school, but that also meant it was much more intense. When it came down to it, I had to be realistic with the time commitment I was about to make,” said Cox.
Cox’s transition to the baseball team did not come without its trials, especially since he was the only freshman in the outfielding core.

“When we would all split up into our groups I was always the younger guy so I’d get somewhat of a hard-time, but the guys always wanted what was best for the team and we really learned to work together as a teams,” Cox said.

Cox’s admiration for the team stems from trust established between each player and their responsibilities.
“Everybody was able to trust in the other person and we were never waiting for one player to step up and be successful,” Cox said. “We all equally depended on each other.”

When asked what game from last season really stuck out in his mind, Cox was quick to answer. “The first championship series against Dartmouth.” Nevertheless, the preceding game against Cornell was his best statistics-wise.

“Maybe Cornell was my best game, but Dartmouth was way more important to the team,” Cox explained.
It is distinctions like these—between personal gain and collective success—that draws the line between winning and winning the Ivy League Championship. Hoping to maintain a level of “consistency” for the oncoming season, Nick Cox may be just what Columbia needs to maintain its championship recognition.